Skip to main content

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reproduction

  • Chapter
Free Radicals in Diagnostic Medicine

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 366))

Abstract

The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in reproduction has long been the subject of investigation. As for other systems described in this book, there is compelling evidence for the involvement of ROS in physiology and pathology of both male and female reproductive systems. In this chapter, we will first briefly summarize informations linking ROS and the female reproductive functions, after which we will present in greater details the data in support for both the beneficial and detrimental effects of ROS on spermatozoa.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. C. Lyttle and E. DeSombre, Uterine peroxidase as a marker for estrogen action, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74:3162 (1977).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Y. Lee, R. Howe S.-J. Sha, C. Teuscher, D. Sheehan and C. Lyttle, Estrogen regulation of an eosinophil chemotactic factor in the immature rat uterus, Endocrinology 125:3022 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. S. Klebanoff and D. Smith, Peroxidase-mediated antimicrobial activity of rat uterine fluid, Gynecol Invest 1:21 (1970).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. S. Klebanoff, Inactivation of estrogen by rat uterine preparations, Endocrinology 76:301 (1985).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. R Johri and P. Dasgupta, Hydrogen peroxide formation in the rat uterus under hormone-induced conditions, J. Endocrinol. 86:477 (1980).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Y. Ishikawa, K. Hirai and K. Ogawa, Cytochemical localization of hydrogen peroxide production in the rat uterus, J. Histochem. Cytochem. 32:674 (1984).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. M.E. Hemler, H.W. Cook and W.E.M. Lands, Prostaglandin biosynthesis can be triggered by lipid peroxides, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 193:340 (1979).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. J.D. Morrow, K.E. Hill, R.F. Burk, T.M. Nammour, K.F. Badr and L.J. Roberts, II. A series of prostaglandin F2-like compounds are produced in vivo in humans by a non-cyclooxygenase, free radical-catalyzed mechanism, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:9383 (1990).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. P. Cherouny, R. Ghodgaonkar, J. Niebyl and N. Dubin, Effect of hydrogen peroxide on prostaglandin production and contractions of the pregnant rat uterus, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 159:1390 (1988).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. H. Minkoff, Prematurity: Infection as an etiologic factor, Obstet. Gynecol. 62:137 (1983).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. L.L. Espey, Ovulation as an inflammatory reaction — A hypothesis, Biol. Reprod. 22:73 (1980).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. T. Miyazaki, K. Sueoka, A.M. Dharmarajan, S.J. Atlas, G.B. Bulkley and E.E. Wallach, Effect of inhibition of oxygen free radical on ovulation and progesterone production by the in-vitro perfused rabbit ovary. J. Reprod. Fertil. 91:207 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. H.R. Behrman, Prostaglandins in hypothalamo-pituitary and ovarian function, Annu. Rev. Physiol. 41:685 (1979).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Y. Margolin, R. Aten and H. Behrman, Antigonadotropic and antisteroidogenic actions of peroxide in rat granulosa cells, Endocrinology 127:245 (1990).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. B.M. Shapiro, The control of oxidant stress at fertilization, Science 252:533 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. M.H. Nasr-Esfahani, J.R. Aitken and M.H. Johnson, Hydrogen peroxide levels in mouse oocytes and early cleavage stage embryos developed in vitro and in vivo, Development 109:501 (1990).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Y. Goto, Y. Noda, T. Mori and M. Nakano, Increased generation of reactive oxygen species in embryos cultured in vitro, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 15:69 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Y. Noda, H. Matsumoto, Y. Umaoka, K. Tatsumi, J. Kishi and T. Mori, Involvement of superoxide radicals in the mouse two-cell block, Molec. Reprod. Develop. 28:356 (1991).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Y. Goto, Y. Noda, K. Narimoto, Y. Umaoka and T. Mori, Oxidative stress on mouse embryo development in vitro, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 13:47 (1992).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. S. Natsuyma, Y. Noda, M. Yamashita, Y. Nagahama and T. Mori, Superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin restore defective p34cdc2 kinase activation in mouse two-cell block, Biochem. Biophys. Acta 176:90 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  21. T. Tokura, Y. Noda, K. Narimoto, Y. Umaoka, T Mori and K Ogawa, Effect of superoxide dismutase on the developpement following the implantation stage in mice, Acta Histochem. Cytochem. 25: 491 (1992).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. M. Sawada and J.C. Carlson, Rapid plasma membrane changes in superoxide radical formation, fluidity and phospholipase A2 activity in the corpus luteum of the rat during induction of luteolysis, Endocrinology 128:2992 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. J.C. Carlson, X.M. Wu and M. Sawada, Oxygen radicals and the control of ovarian corpus luteum function, Free. Radic. Biol. Med. 14:79 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. J. C.M. Riley and H.R. Behrman, In vivo generation of hydrogen peroxide in the rat corpus luteum during luteolysis, Endocrinology 128:1749 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. J.R. Pepperell, K. Wolcott and H. R. Berhman, Effects of neutrophils in the rat luteal cells, Endocrinology 130: 1001 (1992).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. N. Sugino, Y. Nakamura, N. Okuno, M. Ishimatu, T. Teyama and H. Kato, Effects of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion on luteal function in pregnant rats, Biol. Reprod. 49: 345 (1993).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. X. Wu, K. Yao and J.C. Carlson, Plasma membrane changes in the rat corpus luteum induced by oxygen radical generation, Endocrinology 133: 491 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. H. Behrman and S. Preston, Luteolytic actions of peroxide in rat ovarian cells, Endocrinology 124:2895 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. H. Behrman and R. Aten, Evidence that hydrogen peroxide blocks hormonesensitive cholesterol transport into mitochondria of rat luteal cells, Endocrinology 128:2958 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. A. Sevanian, M.L. Wratten, L.L. McLeod and E. Kim, Lipid peroxidation and phospholipase A2 activity in liposomes composed of unsaturated phospholipids: A structural basis for enzyme activation, Biochem. Biophys. Acta 961:316 (1988).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. J. Halme, S. Becker and S. Haskill, Altered maturation and function of peritoneal macrophages: Possible role in pathogenesis of endometriosis, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 156:783 (1987).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. D.M. Portz, T.E. Elkins, R. White, J. Warren, S. Adadevoh and J. Randolph, Oxygen free radicals and pelvic adhesion formation: I. Blocking oxygen free radical toxicity to prevent adhesion formation in an endometriosis model, Int. J. Fertil. 36:39 (1991).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. H. Koike, H. Egawa, T. Ohtsuka, M. Yamaguchi, T. Ikenoue and N. Mori, Eicosanoids production in endometriosis, Prostaglandins leukotrienes & essential fatty acids 45:313 (1992).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. E.R. Rosenblum, J.S. Gavaler and D.H. Van Thiel, Lipid peroxidation: A mechanism for alcohol-induced testicular injury, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 7:569 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. T. Nonogaki, Y. Noda, K. Narimoto, M. Shiotani, T. Mori, T. Matsuda and O. Yoshida, Localization of CuZn-superoxide dismutase in the human male genital organs, Human Reprod. 7:81 (1992).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. R. Jones, T. Mann and R. Sherins, Peroxidative breakdown of phospholipids in human spermatozoa, spermicidal properties of fatty acid peroxides, and protective action of seminal plasma, Fertil Steril. 31:531 (1979).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. R. Aitken and J. Clarkson, Cellular basis of defective sperm function and its association with the genesis of reactive oxygen species by human spermatozoa, J. Reprod. Fertil. 81: 459 (1987).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. J.G. Alvarez, J.C. Touchstone, L. Blasco and B.T. Storey, Spontaneous lipid peroxidation and production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide in human spermatozoa. Superoxide dismutase as major enzyme protectant against oxygen toxicity, J. Androl. 8:338 (1987).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. J.R. Aitken, J.S. Clarkson and S. Fishel, Generation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and human sperm function, Biol Reprod. 40:183 (1989).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. J.G. Alvarez and B.T. Storey, Role of glutathione peroxidase in protecting mammalian spermatozoa from loss of motility caused by spontaneous lipid peroxidation, Gamete Res. 23:77 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, Reactive oxygen species and human spermatozoa I. Effects on the motility of intact spermatozoa and on sperm axonemes, J. Androl. 13:368 (1992).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. R.J. Aitken, D. Buckingham and D. Harkiss, Use of a xanthine oxidase free radical generating system to investigate the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species on human spermatozoa, J. Reprod. Fert. 97:441 (1993).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. R.J. Aitken, D.S. Irvine and F.C. Wu, Prospective analysis of sperm-oocyte fusion and reactive oxygen species generation as criteria for the diagnosis of infertility, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 164:542Prospective analysis of sperm-oocyte fusion and reactive oxygen species generation as criteria for the diagnosis of infertility, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 164:542 (1991).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. A. Iwasaki and C. Gagnon, Formation of reactive oxygen species in spermatozoa of infertile patients, Fertil. Steril. 57:409 (1992).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. R.J. Aitken and K.M. West, Analysis of the relationship between reactive oxygen species production and leukocyte infiltration in fractions of human semen separated on Percoli gradients, Int. J. Androl. 13:433 (1990).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. R.J. Aitken, D. Buckingham, K. West, F.C. Wu, K. Zikopoulos and D.W. Richardson, Differential contribution of leucocytes and spermatozoa to the generation of reactive oxygen species in the ejaculates of Oligozoospermic patients and fertile donors, J. Reprod. Fert. 94:451 (1992).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. J.R. Aitken and J.S. Clarkson, Significance of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in defining the efficacy of sperm preparation techniques, J. Androl. 9:367 (1988).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. B. Rao, J.C. Soufir, M. Martin and G. David, Lipid peroxidation in human spermatozoa as related to midpiece abnormalities and motility, Gamete Res. 24: 127 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. R. D’Agata, E. Vicari, M.L. Moncada, G. Sidoti, A.E. Calogero, M.C. Fornito, G. Minacapilli, A. Mongioi and P. Polosa, Generation of reactive oxygen species in subgroups of infertile men, Int. J. Androl. 13:344 (1990).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. H.P. Nissen and H.W. Kreysel, Superoxide dismutase in human semen, Klin. Wochenschr. 61:63 (1983).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. C. Jeulin, J.C. Soufir, P. Weber, D. Laval-Martin and R. Calvayrac, Catalase activity in human spermatozoa and seminal plasma, Gamete Res. 24:185 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. J.G. Alvarez and B.T. Storey, Taurine, hypotaurine, epinephrine and albumin inhibit lipid peroxidation in rabbit spermatozoa and protect against loss of motility, Biol Reprod. 29:548 (1983).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. B. Halliwell and J.M.C. Gutteridge, “Free Radicals inBiology and Medicine”, 2nd edition, Clarendon Press, Oxford (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  54. E. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, Reactive oxygen species and human spermatozoa II. Depletion of adenosine triphosphate plays an important role in the inhibition of sperm motility, J. Androl. 13:379 (1992).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. C.K. Chow, Vitamin E and oxidative stress, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 11:215 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. E.B. Dawson, W.A. Harris, M.C. Teter and L.C. Powell, Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on the sperm quality of smokers, Fertil. Steril. 58:1034 (1992).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. T. Kobayashi, T. Miyazaki, M. Natori and S. Nozawa, Protective role of superoxide dismutase in human sperm motility: superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxide in human seminal plasma and spermatozoa, Human Reprod. 6:987 (1991).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. A. Zini, E. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, Reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients: levels of superoxide dismutase-and catalase-like activities in seminal plasma and spermatozoa, Int. J. Androl. 16:183 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. R.J. Aitken, D.W. Buckingham and K.M. West, Reactive oxygen species and human spermatozoa: analysis of the cellular mechanisms involved in luminol-and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence, J. Cell Physiol. 151:466 (1992).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. M. Gavella, V. Lipovac and T. Marotti, Effect of pentoxifylline on superoxide anion production by human sperm, Int. J. Androl. 14:320 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. M. Gavella and V. Lipovac, NADH-dependent oxidoreductase (diaphorase) activity and isozyme pattern of sperm in infertile men, Arch. Androl. 28:135 (1992).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. E. Kessopoulou, M.J. Tomlinson, C.L.R. Barratt, A.E. Bolton and I.D. Cooke, Origin of reactive oxygen species in human semen: spermatozoa or leucocytes? J. Reprod. Fert. 94:463 (1992).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. N.N. Kovalski, E. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, Reactive oxygen species generated by human neutrophils inhibit sperm motility: protective effect of seminal plasma and scavengers, Fertil. Steril. 58:809 (1992).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. E. de Lamirande, C.W. Bardin and C. Gagnon, Aprotinin and a seminal plasma factor inhibit the motility of demembranated reactivated rabbit spermatozoa, Biol. Reprod. 28:788 (1983).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. R. Yanagimachi, Mammalian fertilization, in: “The Physiology of Reproduction,” E. Knobil, J.D. Neil, L.L. Ewing, C.L. Markert, G.S. Greenwald and D.W. Pfaff, eds., Raven Press, New York (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  66. L.J. Burkman, Hyperactivated motility of human spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation and implications for fertility, in: “Controls of Sperm Motility,” C. Gagnon, ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  67. A.I. Yudin, W. Gottlieb and S. Meizel, Ultrastructural studies of the early events of the human sperm acrosome reaction as initiated by human follicular fluid, Gamete Res. 20:11 (1988).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. E. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, A positive role for the superoxide anion in triggering hyperactivation and capacitation of human spermatozoa, Int. J. Androl. 16:21 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. E. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, Human sperm hyperactivation and capacitation as parts of an oxidative process, Free Radic. Biol. Med. 14:157 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. I. Bize, G. Santander, P. Cabello, D. Driscoll and C. Sharpe, Hydrogen peroxide is involved in hamster sperm capacitation in vitro, Biol. Reprod. 44:398 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. E. de Lamirande, D. Eiley, and C. Gagnon, Inverse relationship between the induction of human sperm capacitation and spontaneous acrosome reaction by various biological fluids and the superoxide scavenging capacity of these fluids, Int. J. Androl. 16: 258 (1993).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. E. de Lamirande and C. Gagnon, Human sperm hyperactivation in whole semen and its association with low superoxide scavenging capacity in seminal plasma, Fertil. Steril. 59:1291 (1993).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

de Lamirande, E., Gagnon, C. (1994). Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reproduction. In: Armstrong, D. (eds) Free Radicals in Diagnostic Medicine. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 366. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1833-4_14

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1833-4_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5742-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-1833-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics